I snake my tongue out, licking the digit.
She laughs, smacking me on the chest. “Stop, I was trying to get the lipstick off you.” She covers her mouth with her hand. “Oh shit, how bad did I mess up my makeup?” She lowers her hand and stares at me with concern.
Her lipstick’s smeared across her swollen lips. Her cheeks have a healthy pink stain to them and I love that I’m the one who made her look so undone. “I’ve never seen you look sexier,” I tell her the truth.
She cocks her head to the side, silently saying she doesn’t believe me. “We’ll talk later. I have to go. The wedding should be starting soon.”
“I’ll be in the back watching your sexy ass and thinking about all the nasty things I’m going to do to you later.”
Clara's face flames red and she doesn’t answer.
Honestly, she doesn’t have to. The blush is enough for me.
I brush a kiss over her lips afraid I won’t be able to stop if I really start kissing her.
She turns to walk away but shoots me a wink over her shoulder. “I'm sorry for what I said last night. You were right I was scared and pushed you away. By the way, you’re not the only one with nasty thoughts. You look damn sexy in a suit.”
I chuckle as she walks away. When I get my erection to stop announcing itself by tenting my pants, I fix my tie and head into the venue.
The wedding is just as pretentious as I expected it was going to be. Maureen’s dress is an abomination of lace and tulle attempting to outshine her bridesmaids. Yet all I can do is devour Clara with my eyes, standing with grace and elegance as she watches her stepsister walk into her first divorce.
Clara scans the crowd. When her eyes land on me they stay there, and I don’t want it any other way. I raise an eyebrow and she gives me a bright smile which I can’t help but return. My cock wants to wake up, but I keep him down promising him a night he’ll never forget when we get Clara out of here.
As soon as the bridal party enters the reception, I make my way straight to Clara. She swirls around in my arms and kisses me on the nose.
“I hope you were able to come up with a lot of ideas for tonight.”
I groan as I touch my forehead to hers, bringing her against me so she can feel what she’s playing with. She wiggles, and I grab her waist keeping her still. “I suggest you stay still unless you’re ready to leave now.”
The DJ announces the newlyweds and everyone claps during their first dance as a married couple. As the song winds down the DJ requests the rest of the bridal party to join them on the dance floor.
The man Clara walked down the aisle with turns toward us, but I shake my head at him and lead her onto the dance floor instead.
“That was pretty alpha behavior of you,” Clara says, not bothering to hide her amusement.
“I was just making sure he knew you were mine.”
Clara’s smile dims.
I pull her closer to me and whisper in her ear. “What’s wrong? I hope you don’t mind me being a jealous asshole. It’s not that I don’t trust you. I just don’t trust anyone else.”
She shakes her head, but refuses to meet my eyes. “Honestly, the jealousy thing is pretty hot.”
“Then what is it?”
“I’m just hoping you’ll be ok that I might get a little jealous once in a while too.”
I put my finger to her lips. “You can feel whatever way you want. But, I want to make you feel that you have nothing to be jealous of, ever. I want you to trust me, and know I’ll never hurt you.”
“I do trust you. That’s one thing I thought about after you left last night. You’ve never given me a reason not to trust you. But, I just want to make sure we’re making the right decision because we’ll be working together soon.”
“I know. When I got home I spoke with my brothers about it.”
“And?” She stares at me with what can only be classified as curiosity.
“They’re worried. As they should be, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take if you are too.”
She studies me for a moment. “I’m willing.”
I tug her close, spinning her around the dancefloor until we stop, and we rock, our foreheads resting against one another.
Clara’s eyes are closed, and I run my fingers over the soft skin of her shoulder.
“What the hell is he doing here?” Maureen hisses, breaking us apart.
Chapter 19
Clara
“I can’t believe you brought him here after I told you not to.” I don’t think I’ve ever seen Maureen so pissed off in all my life.
Ben maneuvers me so his arm is around my shoulder and we’re both facing Maureen and her new husband. Ben pushes a hand out toward Charlie. It’s not the first time they’ve met since Ben has come to a few of the wedding functions with me over the past few weeks “Hi, nice to see you again. Congratulations.”
Charlie doesn’t hesitate before taking Ben’s hand. I give Charlie a sad smile. He’s always been a decent guy to me and my stepsister’s going to destroy him.
Maureen yanks Charlie away. “Don’t shake his hand. He needs to leave. I’m calling security.”
“Now, honey. He seems like a nice guy and he’s with Clara. He's been at all the functions. Why kick him out now? Let's not cause unnecessary drama on our wedding day. Everything’s turned out perfect. Let's not mess it up.”
“It’s not me who’s messing up our wedding. It’s my attention-seeking-whore of a stepsister and her paid-to-date man hooker.”
Ben’s arm flexes around me. His jaw tightens. Maureen’s pushing his buttons to atomic bomb level. “Maureen we won’t bother you. We’ll leave if you want us to, but do not talk about Clara like that again.”
“And just so you know, he’s a dancer not an escort,” I add in, defending my man.
“Leave, why would you leave?” my dad asks, his arm around Maureen’s mother’s waist.
“Dad.” I step out of Ben’s hold to hug him. I give my stepmother an awkward pat on the back. “We’re not leaving.” I let out a fake little laugh, hoping Maureen will play along while our parents are near.
“Clara can stay, but he has to leave.” She points her finger in distaste at Ben.
So she’s not going to play nice.
“Why would you kick your sister's date out?” my dad gives Ben the good ol’ once over, like any good father would. They met a couple times at the other events for the wedding, but never had the chance to talk with Maureen and her mom claiming his attention.
Like always.
“Because this isn’t Clara’s date. She’s supposed to be dancing with Charlie’s groomsman, Dirk. I asked her not to bring Ben to the wedding and now I’m asking him to leave before there’s more drama.”
Charlie whispers into Maureen’s hair, she must’ve not agreed to whatever he said because she jerks back from him and gives him a death glare.
“What’s going on?” my dad asks me, but Maureen jumps in before I can explain.
“Clara brought this hired date to my wedding, and it’s an embarrassment for all of us.”
“I’ve told you already Maureen, Clara did not hire me. I came because she asked me if I would come and run interference between you and her. I came because as I’ve said before she’s my girlfriend, and wherever she is I want to be.”
“You’re a stripper.” Maureen beams at the shocked expressions she elicits from everyone around us. “We met him at my bachelorette party where he stripped and entertained us with his brothers. So please excuse me if I’m hesitant to have him here.”
“Once again, I’m a male revue dancer. Not a stripper. Not an escort. I don’t go around calling you a cow because you work in the dairy industry.”
I think everyone’s eyes go wide at Ben’s comment, but it’s so true, so I give his hand a little squeeze.
“Clara, how could you bring him here? I understand you have a hard time finding dates, but paying for one, especially one of his class, to escort you to my daughter’s
wedding is pathetic.” Maureen’s mother smiles at Maureen, making her miss the frown my dad shoots at her.
“I brought him here because he’s my boyfriend and I want him here. I didn’t pay him. Even if I would have offered he would have said no because that’s the kind of man he is. A real one. I’ll just leave.”
“You can’t leave. We still have pictures and you’re going to do a toast to Maureen and Charlie after dinner. Don’t be silly, just ask him to leave so we can get back to celebrating the reason we’re here.” My stepmother moves in closer so the guests closing in on our conversation can’t hear her.
“I don’t see a reason why this young man should leave.” My father’s voice booms, crashing down all around us. “Tracy, you were a topless bartender when you were younger because you were a single mom. Why would we,” My father stops speaking to see if they’re listening. “condemn Ben for making a living? Let’s get back to the party. The guests are getting restless and we need to signal them to start dinner.”
I hug my dad, loving him for being who he is. I just wish he wouldn’t have married my evil stepmother who brought the stepsister from hell along with her.
“You’re right dear. The guests are beginning to stare. Let’s get through dinner.”
“No.” Maureen stomps her sequined-heel and causes more people to stare. “He slept with two of my bridesmaids and left them both broken-hearted. They’re a mess because he’s here. I refuse to have him here while making them feel bad.”
“Clara?” my dad asks, no longer bothering to keep his voice low.
“It was a long time ago,” I say angry with Maureen for bringing up Ben’s past. It’s not as if hers is pristine. Hell, I bet she’s slept with tons of people since Charlie put a ring on her finger. It makes me feel guilty throwing Ben’s past in his face last night. I should have known better, I was acting like Maureen—a bitch.
“If he leaves, then so do I.”
“Clara, don’t be so stupid. He’s just using you. You really are a naïve girl.” My stepmother stares at me with what looks like pity on her face.
“I’m not naïve. Ben was up front about his past, and I accepted him. He’s loyal to me and I am to him.”
“Clara, why don’t we discuss this tomorrow when your sister and her husband are off on their honeymoon.” My dad reaches for me, but I return to Ben.
I’m hurt when Ben doesn’t bring me to him like I thought he would, but I stand tall next to him not wanting to show weakness.
“Maybe it’s best if I leave,” Ben says, leaning in to kiss me, but pulling back at the last moment.
“What? No, if you leave I’m going with you.”
“Clara you should stay. I don’t want to come in between you and your family. I don’t want them talking behind your back that your date has slept with most of the people in attendance.” Ben steps away from me and I reach out, bringing him back to me.
I know what he’s trying to do, he's trying to save me from the backlash of his past, and I’m not going to let him play hero again. It’s my turn to stick up for him.
“Dad, Ben's my boyfriend and I’m proud of him.”
Ben’s mouth hangs open. He gives me a slow blink before snapping his mouth shut. I’m proud when he sticks his hand out to my dad and shakes it.
“Ben is one of the most sought out exotic dancers. He’s part of the Trifecta with his two brothers. They’re triplets and have made a huge name for themselves.”
“I did my share of odd jobs before I made a name for myself.” My dad chuckles while Maureen and her mother seethe next to him.
“But that’s the thing, Ben and his brothers are making a name for themselves. They’re buying the club they work at, and making it their first investment property. I’ve gone over their books and we’ve come up with a game plan that will bring them a large profit in the first couple months.” I don’t know why I’m stating all his accomplishments. “Listen Dad, if he’s not welcomed here, then neither am I.” I take a step, but my father holds me back.
“Why are you looking into their paperwork?”
“Because I realized something. I want to do something for myself. And with them, I can.”
My father beams with pride. “What about your other job?”
“I quit. When I went over to Ben’s house to tell him I quit they hired me on the spot. I’m excited to help them. I feel like I’m able to use what I’m good at. I’m listened to, and I’m doing it by myself without using your name.”
Ben smiles. “Yeah, we knew the minute she started talking about business we had to lock her down. She’s very smart, and I’m very proud of her.”
“I want to be successful because of what I can do and not who my father is.”
My father grimaces for a split second. “I had no idea you felt so adamantly about this.”
Maureen rolls her eyes. “He’s your dad. He wants what’s best for you. I don’t understand why you need to work. It’s just your way of getting more attention.”
“That’s enough,” my father snaps, and Maureen’s eyes fill with tears before she dashes toward the bathroom.
“Look what you did. I’ll go fix this. You three pull yourselves together and no more dramatics. This is Maureen’s day.” My stepmom’s navy-blue nail points at all of us before taking off after Maureen.
“Sorry about the trouble I caused, Charlie.” Ben sighs and rubs the back of his neck.
“It’s Maureen. I figured there would be something to cause her to go into hysterics at least four times tonight. Don’t worry, three more people are going to have her racing toward the bathroom later. You’re just the first.”
“Sir, I’m sorry Maureen brought up my past indiscretions. I would never disrespect Clara like that. I hope you know I have strong feelings for your daughter, and all I want to do is make her happy for as long as she’ll keep me in her life.”
The tips of dad’s ears turn red and I giggle. I guess no matter how old your daughter gets, it’s still hard to hear a man who’s not him is willing to put her best interest first.
“Don’t worry about it. We all have a past. It's how we grow from it that tells us who we are. As long as you keep my daughter happy I see no reason to dwell on your past.”
Ben lets me go, and hugs my dad. They pound each other on the back in some weird man bonding ritual I’ll never understand. When they move apart, they’re both smiling like they came to an understanding.
“If you two are done making out, maybe we can get dinner started. The faster we feed these people the faster I can get out of here,” I say.
“Good idea.” My dad searches for his wife and Maureen. When he spots them coming out of the bathroom he signals the wait staff to serve dinner.
I pick at my food, wishing the courses would hurry up so we can get out of here.
“Do you not like your truffle-glazed steak?” Ben nudges me, getting my attention.
“It’s delicious.” I take a big bite and give him a closed lip smile.
“How many more courses are there?”
“This has to be the last one.” Even though we both know we’re nowhere near done.
“Good.”
The look he gives me is scorching. My hand goes limp, letting the fork slip, banging against the plate. Ben leans in, the smell of his cologne penetrating my senses making it hard to act like I want to be here with clothes on instead of naked and alone with him.
“You have to stop looking at me like that.” His hand lands on my knee. The heat sears into my skin as if there isn’t a barrier between us.
“Like what?” I move my face, so I can whisper in his ear. The soft husky sound of his breath with the feel of his hand creeping up my thigh unravels me.
“Like you want me to take you somewhere and strip you down naked while I kiss every inch of your body. Where you want my fingers, tongue, and cock inside you. Where I make you scream my name while your tight wet pussy clenches around me.”
My breath hitches as he sucks
my earlobe into his mouth circling with his mouth.
“I need you, Clara.”
I reach under the table, taking his hand ready to pull him away from the wedding party no longer caring about decorum.
“You two need to stop it right now,” Maureen says, her face scrunched up and red with anger.
“We were just finishing the lovely dinner you provided.” Ben grips my hand harder when I laugh at his charming ways, which aren’t working on my stepsister.
“I was nice and let you stay, but I’m done. You need to leave or I’ll have security escort you out. Which I should’ve done in the first place.”
Ben stands, and I follow him. There’s no place I’d rather be than with him, especially since we can escape my bitchy stepsister’s wedding.
“You’re going to choose him over family?” Maureen screeches, getting the attention of all the wedding guests.
“Maureen, you were never family. You’ve treated me awful from the moment we met. I’m done trying.” I keep my voice quiet, reminding myself this is her wedding.
“Clara, you’re such an idiot. He’s slept with all of Las Vegas and most of Nevada. He doesn’t care about you. You’re just someone he’s having fun with just like he had fun with Niki, and Jane.”
Two bridesmaids gasp, getting up from the bridal party table after Maureen spreads their personal business for everyone to hear.
“Come on, Clara. We’re leaving.” Ben puts his arm around me. “And since Maureen wants to drag my name through the mud here it is. I’ve been with my share of women, and I’ve never been in a relationship before, but that’s because I hadn’t met Clara yet.” Some of the women in the crowd ‘aww’ at his declaration. “I’m in love with her and she’s the only one for me. As for you.” Ben points at Maureen pinning her with a steely gaze. “I feel sorry for you. This is your wedding day and you couldn’t be happy having your day you had to have drama. You’re a sad woman.” His eyes move to Charlie. “Also, she wanted to hook up with me tonight.”
Ben and I run down the stairs into the cool night air. Ben hands the valet his ticket, hugging me as we wait for our get-away-car.
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